BIRKENSHAW Bluedogs will be keeping their fingers crossed in anticipation that new signing Callum Dinsdale will have recovered from a bout of 'man flu' in order to make his debut against Allerton Bywater in Pennine League Division Three at East Bierley.

The well-travelled prop forward returns to the club after a glittering career that saw him play at professional level with York, plus spells at Dudley Hill and West Bowling in the National Conference League.

His quality could inspire Birky‘s revenge mission as the Castleford visitors won the reverse fixture by a comfortable 38-14 margin early last month.

Division Four table-toppers Queensbury are at full strength for the visit of King Cross Park.

Bury feel they have a point to prove, having lost by the slender margin of 21-20 in October.

This early reverse was before Bury settled down to play the fast, attacking style of rugby that has installed them as title favourites, while their Halifax neighbours are still a threat, purring along comfortably in fourth.

Clayton will be confident that home advantage will provide the platform for a shock success when high-flyers Ossett Trinity Tigers arrive at Lidget Green.

The Villagers exploit their sloping ground to full effect and consistently surprise their opponents with their ability to strike against the odds uphill.

The Tigers are poised to take over top spot if they win but Clayton marksman, stand-off Dane Bairstow, and free-scoring wingman Oliver McElroy will have a big say in the attempt to thwart their lofty ambitions.

Wyke celebrate the New Year Division One campaign with the return of BARLA international prop forward Ash Hutchinson, who has recovered from a shoulder injury in time for the visit to Illingworth.

The black and whites have regrouped following the reduction of their long list of casualties, which still includes full back James Wain and club captain Ian Watkinson.

Coach Warren Pitman is seeking to get their early-season promising form back on course against the Halifax hosts, who had a four-match winning sequence brought to a halt at Brighouse last time out.

Brighouse Rangers, whose profile has risen dramatically following Toronto Wolfpack's decision to base themselves at Russell Way, are seeking to register the double when they travel down the M62 to Crigglestone All Blacks, following their close 24-18 home win.